Chapter Six

In the early morning, they encountered a runaway slave named Ukpabi, who shared a crucial piece of information while Ogwo helped him break the iron shackles on his feet. Ukpabi spoke of a certain white man traveling with a slave girl, guarded by three Aro soldiers. As Ogwo carefully placed the iron shackle on a flat stone and, with precise and powerful strikes, broke the metal restraint, Ukpabi recounted his tale. He was certain the group had stopped to rest at the Itu River for the night. At dawn, Ukpabi showed them a shortcut that led to the river. Just as the first light of morning began to stretch across the sky, they arrived at the river's edge. The Itu River, with its serene, wide expanse of water, was surrounded by dense foliage. Tall trees with gnarled roots dipped into the water, and the air was thick with the scent of wet earth and the soft hum of insects. Mist clung to the surface of the water, giving the entire scene a mystical, almost otherworldly quality.

The riverbanks were lined with reeds and wildflowers, their colors muted in the early morning light. The occasional splash of a fish broke the stillness, sending ripples across the glassy surface. It was here, in this tranquil setting, that their mission would unfold.

Egwuatu, disguised as a fisherman, moved stealthily toward the three Aro soldiers who stood guard over Gustavo and Ulari. One was loading Gustavo's wares in a small boat near a large, ancient tree, its branches spreading wide and providing a canopy of leaves. The boat was tied to the tree, bobbing gently in the water.

In a swift, lethal move, Egwuatu drew his knife and decapitated the soldier by the boat. The man's head flew into the water with a splash, while his headless body staggered and collapsed, painting the sand crimson.

A fierce fight erupted. Egwuatu engaged the remaining two soldiers, their blades clashing and sparking under the glaring sun. Each strike was precise, each movement calculated. In a fit of rage, Uko charged at one of the men, his war cry echoing across the river, evening the odds.

Meanwhile, Gustavo, with a frantic glance, drew his sword and cut the boat's leash. He quickly climbed onto the drifting vessel, dragging Ulari, whose feet were shackled to its wooden frame. Amidst the chaos, he tried to aim his gun at Egwuatu, but the frenetic battle and the rocking boat made it impossible to get a clear shot.

Hidden in the bushes, Okoro steadied his trembling hands, took aim at Gustavo, and fired, the shot missing by inches and striking the boat's side. In desperation, Gustavo grabbed Ulari, using her as a human shield. Beside Okoro, Ogwo, his voice laden with fear, pleaded with him not to shoot, terrified for Ulari's life.

Egwuatu and Uko fought with a savage grace, their movements synchronized in a deadly dance. Eventually, they overpowered the two soldiers, their bodies falling lifelessly to the ground. As Gustavo's boat drifted further from the shore, Ulari's screams for help spurred Ogwo into action. Without hesitation, he dove into the river, his powerful strokes cutting through the water. Gustavo fired three shots from his blunderbuss, the deafening booms resonating. One shot struck Ogwo in the ribs, and he faltered, blood mixing with the river's currents.

In the ensuing chaos, Ulari, mustering her strength, shoved Gustavo into the water, causing him to lose his rifle with a splash. Seizing the opportunity, Egwuatu dove in after him. Gustavo, now desperate, drew his sword, but he was no match for the skilled Warrior. With a swift and brutal motion, Egwuatu disarmed and decapitated him, the water around them turning a dark, bloody red.

Emerging from the river, Egwuatu held Gustavo's severed head aloft, the grim trophy a testament to their hard-fought victory.

The men carried Ogwo's lifeless body to the shore and saved Ulari from the drifting boat. On regaining her freedom, Ulari ran to her father's dead body and wept bitterly, holding him close. Egwuatu and the others consoled her and later buried Ogwo by the river. Egwuatu cut off the heads of the two Aro soldiers and gathered the one floating in the water. With Gustavo's head, he put all four heads in a bag that dripped blood.

The group, solemn but resolute, knew their journey was far from over, but for now, they had won a crucial victory.

To be cont'd